NORWICH — The Norwich City Council on Monday opted to buy more time for itself before deciding whether to convene a charter review commission.

Aldermen were unanimous in their decision to delay action until Nov. 18, so members can gather more information.

"From the council level, it takes a long time to understand if it should or shouldn't happen so I think if we're going to do it, it's this council that should," alderwoman Sofee Noblick said.

Norwich hasn't seen any alternations to its charter since March 2001, when voters approved restoring the mayor's position for the first time in 50 years, taking the mayor with spearheading economic development initiatives.

It would also be the 17th charter review since 1965.

Unlike other council actions that move through on bare majorities, establishing a charter commission requires two-thirds approval, or five yes votes. And once the panel begins its work, the entire document is open to scrutiny.

Alderwoman Deb Hinchey, a Democrat running for mayor, said she's opposed to the move.

"None of us know who is going to be sitting up here and for us to put forward something as strenuous as charter revision is not fair to the next council," she said. While likely an 18-month process, any recommendations to amend the charter must be acted on by the council, which can remove but not add items that would appear on a ballot.

Residents Andy Depta and Keith Ripley said they think the charter should be reviewed, but questioned the timing.

"Several of you members on this council voted against a charter revision two years ago. It appears you have now found religion and we have born again councilmen," Depta said.

Depta advocated for big changes to the charter, including sending budgets to referendum and removing the mayor's authority as an ex-officio voting member on every board or commission.

Ripley said the existing council is the "wrong one to take this step."

"I am for charter revision eventually," he said.

Richard Caron also wants to see the charter reviewed, but doesn't want budgets to go to referendum.

"The City Council should be the ones who vote on it," he said. "It's a big expense and takes a lot of time and money."

Alderman Charlie Jaskiewicz said he's "not afraid" of a budget referendum, but added that if that aspect of the charter is changed, it should carry a voter turnout threshold.

"This council is very capable of doing the budget, but don't let go to referendum with no threshold," he said.